Removal of radioactive or heavy metal contaminants by means of non- persistent complexing agents

摘要

A process for the decontamination of solid surfaces contaminated with radioactive or heavy metal species using a solution based on one or more non-persistent complexing agents, or for the chemical cleaning of steam generator sludge using such a solution, or for removing radioactive or heavy metal species from a solution using a combination of a one or more non-persistent complexing agents and a solid support, followed in each case by thermal or thermal-chemical treatment to decompose said non- persistent complexing agent. The preferred non- persistent complexing agents are hydroxamic acids, and the most preferred is acetohydroxamic acid.